Tagged with hack - Personal View Talks

A Day & Night in a minute with the GH2 hack v.1.1 (3.64d)

izash — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:34:31 +0000

This is my first test movie with the new version of Vitaly's GH2 hack. I used Balazer's Cake 1.2 patch and the results are beautiful to my eyes. The cars' motion is so smooth, it almost looks like slomo. The GH2 is one amazing camera, made better by some wonderfully talented people. Shot handheld in Tel Aviv with the Panasonic 20mm/f1.7, edited with FCPX 10.0.3 No color correction or noise reduction. Music: The Beatitudes, composed by Vladimir Martynov, performed by the Kronos Quartet.

A question of locution for the "hacked" GH2

digger — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:16:00 +0000

Most clients I work with are not familiar with the GH2, so when I put in a bid on a job I'm not sure of the best way to promote the PTool upgraded version. I also have an EX1 and a 5D with which most people are familiar, so when I mention that I have a GH2 I'll say something along the lines of "which has been upgraded to shoot at extremely high bit rates" or "above broadcast quality." What is the best way to phrase this? How do you in a few words sell the GH2 to someone who has never heard of it as an equivalent quality camera to the 5D or EX1?

Pro: GH2 AVCHD encoder settings

dkitsov — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:52:38 +0000

This topic is for testing patches residing in testers section.
Carefully and systematically.

Patches for testers>AVCHD movie mode>AVCHD research>Encoder setting 1 1080i/p when value changed from Original 3 to Modified 2 there are no b-frames encoded into the AVCHD stream.

Official Low GOP topic, series 4

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 08:30:59 +0000

Previous part http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/1301/official-low-gop-topic-series-3

hacking the GF1 for the first time

drtygnus — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:34:05 +0000

Hello all! Can someone help me hack the gf1? It should be here in a matter of days and i want to make sure i do this right. I have a macbook pro os X lion

Enable audio video component monitoring

madrenderman — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:28:04 +0000

I'm wonder that audio video out from analog out is enable only during play, but never during recording... panasonic not answer me why... the fact is that you cannot monitor audio during recording (with simple stereo rca to jack 3,5 adapter), you cannot use video out to monitor camera applied on flying elicopter (most of them have simple analog video transmitter), and more... you cannot use a 6$ usb grabber to use gh2 with stop motion software... and more... Any chance to enable them by hack?

How to: Step by Step GH1 hack videos.

pixelphile — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 05:11:56 +0000

Vitaliy,

I recently bought a previously unhackable GH1, and thought it would be cool to make a couple step by step, how to hack videos. These videos are intended for first time hackers, or for newbies who have recently purchased a GH1. It is also great for professionals who need to get the most out of their GH1's.

I have included some GH17 test footage, camera settings, shutter settings, film mode settings, custom PTool settings, a hacked GH1_136 file, and much, much more.

Please check it out if you get the chance.

http://pixelphile.blogspot.com/2011/06/gh1-how-to-hack-guide.html

Cheers,

Michael "Pixelphile" Eggert

GH1 Firmware Hack FAQ

zcream — Fri, 20 May 2011 09:42:26 +0000

The Panasonic GH1/GF1 debuted in 2009 with a sensor in between 16mm and 35mm Academy size. It is approx a 2x crop sensor related to SLR terminology. The short focal distance allows the usage of any lens built for cameras – except the CS-mount lenses. Russian hacker tester13 figured out a way to modify the firmware to give custom recording rates – among other goodies. At this point in time, the GH1 has the best recorded image out of ANY camera less than 10K. Here is my article about installing the firmware for noobs.

The article also appears here.
http://www.mishra.tv/wordpress/?p=95

This is a very simple tutorial that will attempt to organize everything for first time users.

Video is essentially a sequence of still images taken 24,25,30,50 or 60 times a second. Also, during a video recording there is a spatial relationship between successive stills. The camera records in 2x formats – AVCHD and MJPEG.

MJPEG records video as a sequence of JPEG stills (also called an intraframe codec). Hence, it can be easily edited on any computer. On the flipside, it is less efficient than AVCHD for storage. Both the GH1/GF1 only record 30p videos in MJPEG.

AVCHD uses the spatial relationship to record each frame as a DIFFERENCE of stills (called an interframe codec). This encoding is called a Group of Pictures (GOP) encoding. So, the sensor takes its snapshots which it passes to the encoder. The encoder takes the first snapshot, saves it as a still, and calls it an I-frame. The next few frames are encoded as a difference frame, encoding only the regions that have changed. These are called P-frames. There are also D and B frames, that are variations on this theme. If there is lots of movement (i.e. foliage on a windy day, or ocean current), the encoder gets stressed trying to calculate P-frames. This causes errors while using your camera.

Finally, we need to understand colorspace. If you have ever painted, you know that all colors are composed of the primary RGB (Red-Blue-Green) spectrum. So, a basic representation of a color image involves at least 3 values for R, G and B. Depending on the color depth (8,16 or 32-bit), this can mean 24, 48 or 96-bits per pixel. That is a LOT of information. Hence, another colorspace is used for encoding stills and video – called YCrCb. The intensity of light on a pixel is called luma, and the color value (a composite of Red, Green, Blue) is called chroma. In practice we only need 3 values, Y (luma) Cr (Y – Red) and Cb (Y-Blue). The value of green can be derived from these 3 values. Now, the human eye is more sensitive to luma than chroma. So, a common scheme is to reduce the sampling for Cr and Cb. This is called 4:2:2 colorspace, where luma is sampled at twice the rate of chroma. A more efficient alternative is to sample Y at twice the rate of Cr and Cr at twice the rate of Cb. This is called 4:2:0 sampling. Obviously 4:2:2 sampling will stress the sensor circuitry and cause more errors.

MJPEG can offer 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 sampling, while AVCHD can only offer 4:2:0 sampling.

Finally we need to understand interlaced vs progressive footage. Consider standard NTSC rates of 60i or 30p. In progressive mode, a sequence of 30 still images are written to disk in 30p mode. In interlaced mode, the encoder reads the odd or even lines on each image. Thus even though the sensor is sending out 30 images each second, the encoder takes each image and encodes the odd lines on odd frames, and even lines on even frames. In interlaced mode, there are 60 calls to the encoder to write 1920×540 resolution images per second. In progressive mode, there are 30 calls to the encoder to write 1920×1080 resolution images per second. Obviously a progressive encoding for the progressive image generated by the sensor is more efficient but also more stressful for the encoder.

Having read this, lets start with the hack.

1. Use a Windows PC for this. Things can work with Parallels or other emulators on a mac. Winebottler can cause a problem where the bottom part of the hack utility (with options for various hack settings) is not seen.

2. Download the LATEST version of ptool from here. https://www.personal-view.com/faqs/gh2-hack/ptool-software Unzip it into a GH1 hack directory

3. In the past, we had to modify each individual setting. It was a tedious task to setup a GH1 or GF1. Now we can have multiple settings files that can be used, as long as they are in the same directory as the ptool. Check out the Ptool FAQ and the various settings available.

4. Now I will offer what I do for my shoots. I use AVCHD as its the only choice for 24p/25p footage. 30p is pointless unless all you need is to post videos on Vimeo. There are 3 hacks, available for the GH1 which offer Reliable, Turbo and Extreme modes of the hack (my terms). I use 3 cheap SD cards, some 16MB cards I have lying around. Format them in the camera and load 1 setting per card as shown in the FAQ above. Use a sharpie to write down Reliable, Turbo and Extreme. The 3 settings are provided the lpowell.

They are :
Reliable 2 - 40Mbps Reliable In-Camera Playback Patch - highest reliability for all camera models and all SD card types
Direct Reliable patch download.

Blackout-Powell Native 24p Patch v2

Extreme - 100Mbps Max Latitude Native 24/25p Patch v2- GH1 only, Class 10 SD cards, Native 24p FHD, 30p SH mode

All three patches are switchable between NTSC and PAL modes, and support multiple language selection, unrestricted recording time, and third-party batteries.

The robustness is obviously less for Extreme and Turbo than Reliable. At night, or for places indoors use the Extreme patch. If it does not work, use the Turbo patch. For dense foliage, or clip with running water use the Reliable patch. lpowell has stated that the Extreme patch is at least as robust if not more than the Turbo patch. Since the patch is new, I may update this information after it has been widely tested.

5. After recording, you may decide to view the video files for errors or out of curiosity. Please download cbrandin’s StreamParser - for more fun.

Wiki discussion

cyfernoa — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:41:37 +0000

Hello all. In a recent thread there was much discussion of creating a GH2 hack wiki. Vitaliy agreed that if (someone or more than one) would be willing to donate time and energy in maintaining it he would support it. So this is basically a calling out to anybody skilled in the art of making wiki's to get the ball rolling so we can all keep the boards free from the same repetitive questions and create an environment that is better suited to the testing and creation of better patches.

Explosions in the Sky in Brixton - A short film - Shot with a hacked GH2@60Fps

izash — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:26:05 +0000

I flew with my son to London to watch the great Post-Rock band Explosions in the Sky play at the Brixton Academy.

This short film is about the journey to Brixton and the lovely people who came to the show.

Shot with a Panasonic GH2@60P, 44Mb hack, 20mm/1.7 & 7-14mm lenses.

Edited with FCPX 10.0.3

Music: Your Hand in Mine by Explosions in the Sky

gh2 Low Light Shots

bostonmike — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:45:22 +0000

Testing out my gh2 with Terraquake hack around the house in low light. Settings---- Smooth, -2, -2, -2, -2. 24H Motion Picture Mode, ISO 160, 14-140mm kit lens. Sony Vegas Home Studio HD 11. No color correction, just a few contrast adjustments. Had a nice soundtrack to it, but somehow still can't seem to upload sound on Vimeo yet.

GH2 hacked frame rates

taikwanjo — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:11:58 +0000

I have a couple questions I haven't been able to find definitive answers to. Hopefully someone here knows!

Are there any hacks out there for the GH2 that include the ability to shoot 1080p at 60 fps?
Do any/all GH2 hacks include 1080p at 30fps? Could you point me to a higher bitrate hack that does include 30p? I notice a lot of the hacks say they allow 24p, but it's very important to me to be able to shoot 30p.

I appreciate any answers/info/insight/advice you can give!

Panasonic AF100. When a new firmware for this camera? Thank you.

alvenfilms — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:06:24 +0000

Hello everyone, I'm New Here. I'm using a Panasonic AG AF100, I wonder if there are possibilities to make a hack for this camera as was done with the GH2. To record a more Mbs. Thanks for everything.

GH2 fw 1.0E vs 1.0F

deepcoat — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:48:03 +0000

Hi to all. I have bought recently new GH2 from EU. Today I have decided to update of my GH2 of modified 1.0E fw instead of a factory installed fw 1.0F (version F is visible in service a mode). As a result I have received a surprise, at observance of all requirements for updating at presence in a root folder of a card of a file of the modified 1.0E fw file, its GH2 simply doesn't see it. At pressing play button the camera simply offers viewing of contents of a card. At placing in a root folder both versions, modified 1.0E fw file and new official 1.1 the camera also sees nothing. And only at presence in a root folder of official version 1.1 my GH2 suggests it to be update. How I understand, without hacking 1.0F or 1.1 way to the expanded functions for new bodies GH2 is closed? Excuse me for my English :) Thanx!

GH2 Hack: Error with SD Card after Battery Changing

ColdStuff — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:13:36 +0000

I am working with with GH2 hack 3.63.

As I am filming long sequences (theatre plays, 2 hours and more) I get out of battery sometimes while filming.

So then the following error occurs.

After changing the battery the GH2 can´t write anymore in AVCHD to the SD Card. Error: "AVCHD files: maximal amount reached" Actually I only had 6 to 10 mts files.

I then have to change to another SD Card or continue to film in motion jpeg on the same card.

Error occured with bandwith 44000 bytes and with an 64 GByte Oltramax class 10 card.

Lumix TZ20

MaclinR96 — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:32:44 +0000

Is there any plans for a hacked or modified firmware for the TZ20/ZS10

I'd really like a bit more control over my photos and videos

GH2 Strange trails/ghosting

yrb — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:41:43 +0000

HI all,

Scary development: I've hacked my GH2 about two weeks ago, shot a bunch of stuff and was very happy with the results. Then yesterday out of nowhere I get really pronounced trails, or ghosting in my LCD, sort of like shooting on a slow shutter speed, but different in a way that's difficult to explain. But I can assure you I am not shooting slow shutter, I've done the test at many different shutter speeds. It's also strange that the effect is less pronounced in the viewfinder and even less so in the recorded image, although there is a jagged motion in recorded image. It doesn't look smooth or fluid.

This is of course very worrying so I went back to the official Panasonic firmware, and the problem persisted, so I reset the cam to all default factory setting, refreshed the pixels, cleaned the sensor, and still the problem persits! I would really appreciate help in diagnosing this problem, as I have really no idea what is causing or what to do! Has anyone heard or seen anything like this?

Thanks for any thoughts or advice, yb

Panansonic IR interview - talks about GH2 hacker community

spirit — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:05:15 +0000

Thought some of you might find this interesting - first time I've really heard what Panasonic thinks about the GH2 hacker community - seems quite positive!

http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2012/01/15/panasonic-learning-from-the-fringe-taking-small-steps

Help! I can't hack my 2nd GH2

Aksel — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:11:27 +0000

I hacked my 1st GH2 few weeks ago; and we I decided to hack the 2nd it didn't work. I copied the GH2__V11.bin file into my SDcard, and when I turn on the camera and press the play button nothing happens besides the message the there are no files. did anyone had the same problem? and if YES how did you solve it? by the way the battery is genuine and fully charged.

First short, shot in 25p with leica 25mm 1.4 Poor Sleep Quality

klem007 — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:51:17 +0000

I did two years of animation but called it quits and started film this year. This is my first short i made, ever. Bought myself the gh2 and loving it ever since :) Anxiously waiting for the pal-land hack =)

All shot between 1.4 and 2.2

enjoy!

GH2 Hacked 150mbits music video!!!!!

madmax — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:24:33 +0000

I tried to put this whole hack thingy to the real test so shot a music video using the GH2 hack 150mbits. Let me know what you think...

Hack help - can no longer adjust f -stop

xtra00 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:58:29 +0000

I am a complete newbie to the hack world, as can probably be gleamed from my question. However, I have attempted to hack my GH2 and though I had just about managed it but then when I went to adjust lens, (Panasonic 20mm) I could not longer adjust f-stop.

Am I missing something really simple? or forgotten something?

Thanks in advance

Color Grading & Visual Effects Before & After - Hacked GH1 (GH13,GH17)

pixelphile — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:06:25 +0000

Hey guys,

Here is a little before and after comparison video to show how far you can push hacked footage during a color grade.

Hope ya like it,

Michael "Pixelphile"

GH2 driftwood hack in shootout with Canon C300

chauncy — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:30:18 +0000

Along with canon c300 and others. Check Mr. Bloom's site.
http://philipbloom.net/2011/12/15/christmas-shootout/

Old comparison

DrDave — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:02:54 +0000

RED Epic versus Panasonic GH2 and GH2 looks sharper

A question regarding ISO during recording

Hakosuka — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:37:48 +0000

I'm aware that during the recording you cannot change the ISO value, you have to set it before pressing the record button. However what I don't understand is whether this is due to the ISO limit removal within the hack or if this is just how the camera was designed? If I removed the ISO limit removal from the hack would I be able to change the ISO during recording? Or is it completely not an option regardless of whether I have a hack on the camera or not?

Sorry if this has been asked before, I've searched the web and I see so many different answers which confuse me lol

Josh

Official Low GOP topic, series 3

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:40:51 +0000

Previous part:

http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/1002/official-low-gop-topic-series-2#Item_1022

AVCHD: Stable settings

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 07:24:46 +0000

Topic devoted to stable settings.

Stable is anything that do not result in card speed errors or freezzing.

Question: What dictates if a camera's firmware can be hacked or not?

richman — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:44:20 +0000

idk if this topic is appropriate for this forum, because I haven't been on this site for long, but I was wondering, how come only Canon and Panasonic have hacks for their cameras? How come Nikon, Sony, etc doesn't have hacks? Is this due to a type programming limitation? It is because of the manufacturers? Is it hardware limitations?

GH2 Stalin Quantum V.5 vs. GH13 75Mbps

magnus387 — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:54:12 +0000

My brother got me a GH2 for the holidays (yeah, he's the best), and seeing as how I had been using a hacked GH1 since hacking was even possible, I figured a small comparison would be fun.

Not Scientific, but both pixel peeping screen grabs are shot using the fantastic Voigtlander 25mm f0.95. The GH2 was patched with Quantum v.5 ( @driftwood , @Vitaliy_Kiselev you guys are rock stars), and the GH13 was patched long ago with 75Mbps variant (one, I've always been happy with).

(EDIT) Both grabs are f4.0 shutter 1/50 ISO 400

My initial impressions were confirmed when I transcoded the MTS files using 5dtoRGB, and brought the files into FCP7 and brought up the mids using the 3-way color corrector - the hacked GH2 is hiding tons of detail, and the difference is in the numbers - gh2 is at 145Mbps, the GH13 is at 34Mbps. I honestly couldn't believe my eyes. The GH2 noise structure is so much finer than the blocking that occurs on the GH13, and it resembles film grain in my humble point of view.

Happy holidays everyone.